It’s almost Italian Design Day, and many international organizations are planning events to celebrate Italy’s stunning contributions to the world of design – from the inescapable terrazzo craze to the ever-inspiring Memphis movement.

Here in Toronto, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura Toronto (Italian Cultural Institute) and the Design Exchange (DX) are hosting a thought-provoking talk on March 20th by architect Simone Sfriso of Tamassociati, a Venice firm celebrated for its inclusive healthcare projects on the African continent, as well as dynamic public spaces in Africa, the Middle East and Europe.

Recent highlights from the studio’s portfolio include a joint project with Renzo Piano to construct a centre for paediatric surgery in Uganda, and the new headquarters in Bologna of Alce Nero, a food company representing more than a thousand organic farmers, beekeepers and food processors.

Sfriso’s talk at DX, “Taking Care in Architecture,” goes to the heart of the studio’s community-focused practice. If architecture were to serve the community first, he wagers, it could prevent societal marginalization and exclusion. This is especially relevant to urban, suburban and rural communities, where innovative architecture could help people claim new rights and experience progress, opportunity and greater inclusion.

“Architecture,” reads a statement from Sfriso, “can help spread and make effective the principles of sociality, participation, health care, integration and legality, everywhere and on any scale.”

“By embodying these principles,” he continues, “architecture in this millennium will increasingly have to engage with and find answers to the challenges that the city and environment present not only to architects, but to all the most responsible ‘designers’ of the near future.”

“Taking Care in Architecture” by Simone Sfriso is hosted by Istituto Italiano di Cultura, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Italy, TAMssociati, and Design Exchange. The event will be held on March 20 at Design Exchange, 234 Bay Street, from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Visit the event website for more details and to reserve a spot.